by: Nancy Anderson

When I put a list of common financial concerns — 13 Wealth Issues — in front of my clients and ask what is top of mind for them, identity theft is often the first thing they mention as a pressing concern.

That fear is not unwarranted —  identity thieves can do serious damage when they have access to your Social Security number, birth date, address, and other sensitive financial information.

Unfortunately, I know from experience. My personal information was compromised a few years ago, and it scared the heck out of me.

Here’s what happened: A credit card (one that I never applied for) showed up in my mailbox. I’d never set foot in that particular store, since there wasn’t one in my neighborhood. Clearly someone else had used my name and applied for “instant credit” at the store.

continue reading »